Vulcanizer



July 13, 1948. v H. L. BAKER 2,445,054

VULCANIZER Filed May 14, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

Hana/.0 L, 80166.

July 13, 1948.

Filed May 14, 1945 H. L. BAKER VULCANIZER 4 Sheets-Sheet. 2

l I/l 4 45- U 4 U i INVENTOR.

#49040 L BA I BY July 13, 1948. H. BAKER 2,445,054

VULCANIZER 4-Shee ts-Sheet 3 Filed May 14, 1945 4 IN V EN TOR. Hflma L 9/4 54 H. L. BAKER July 13, 1948.

VULCANIZER '4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 14, 1945 INVEN TOR. HHAOLD L. 5/94/55 Maw Patented July 13, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT O F'Ftl-CE 2,445,054 r vULcANIzEa "Harold Liaker, Clovis, cam. Application May :14, 1945,-Serial No. 59? ;,644

14C1aims.

. 1 a This invention relates to *a vulcani-zer 'fortire casings, and particularly to a vulcanizer 'for use inmaking-beadand-side wall repairs.

iI-i-re casings for airplanes,- automobiiesrand other vehicles made by -:difierent manufacturers, although of purportedly the same size, have apprecia'bl variations, particularly with respect to theirbead -dimensicns. The inside bead diameter (taken'across the central axis of the-tire) varies 'so'greatly with different tires thatthe-prctective bead covering strips are frequently injured and torn in removing some casings from rims or in :removing them -frm the vulcanizers themselves in the process of manufacture "or in the process of 'makingrepairs;

Attempts to repair such injuries have been attempted by use of spot vulcanizers, each of which-is 'adapted'tomerely-repair a localized-point on the axiallyoutwardly facing side of each-bead :portionand not the radially facing side. This radially inwardly facing side has perhaps the most frequent rinjury. Also such prior devices ar' not -well adapted to 'making repairs over a porti'on of the beadthat has-beenkinked or permanentlydist-ortedbyuse of a tire iron in-removing the casing -froma rim inasmuch as sandbags used-againsttheinner side ofsuch portion do not evenly distribute the -pressure-0Ver' bothtiie kink andthe portion-atthe opposite sides of the same, hence the resultant vulcanization varies.

One -of 'the objects 'of the present-invention is the provisionof means-for quickly and efficiently eifecting bead repairs at-one time for substantially any desired length of each bead portion,

and which *meansis adapted -for' use on. tires of variable actuarbead dimensions without difiiculty in'removing the'devicafrom the casing and without causing injurytothe bead portionor-casing in 'theremova'l of the tire from the device Y for .a

beadrepair.

Another object ofthe invention isthe provision ofa device for making tire-repairs thatis adapted to do-a\ proper-vu1canizing job -on the rim engagingsurfaces-obeitheriof the beadeportions of tire casingsas well-as doing a proper vulcanizing JjOb onthe axially facing sides of such portions and well upon the side walls to the shoulders without requiring the conventional airor steam bag filling=theginterionof the casing, but with fluid pressurebag lccalized along one for the ether 'of; the inner sides of the casing as -may =be re- A still further object of the -inventionj is the provision -of-vulcanizing means for making a propervuleanizing job on --a kinked or distorted which Fig. 5 is"merje1y"afragment, ,4

. 2 1 3 bead .portion of acas'ing 'asf'well as the beadfpo'rtions'adja'centsuch distortedportion. Other objects and advantagesfwilljjappear'fin the description and in the claims. V

In the drawings, I Fig. 1 h is a sectional view through a vuica nizer illustrating one form or theinvention; par f the tire casing'bei'ngindicateiiin section. v 1

Fig. 2 is a plan View of the 'device'oif u ,1, part of the table being broken away ,andtheiire casing' beingiomitted.

' Fig. .3 isja'j'ffagmentary .cl'owe'r plan view portion of the bag r'ec'eiving elements of i'F gs. 1, 2. .jfl "Fig. 741s a modified form of theinvention'shown in Figs. 1, '2 partlyin section, -but'with theitttb'le indicated 'in'its properxin'c'linedposition.

Fig."5 is'ajfragnientary sectional view o ffa still further 'modifiefi form ,df'the'invention.

"Fig. '1 is a 'jplan 'vie'w ofarrother-xnod'iiidation o'fgthe device :ofFigs. .1, 2. in which means is proviue'd for supplying steam to'th'e' airbag. 25

Fig.Bisanleirational view of the' deviceiof'Fi'g. 7 in asseniblediposition without a'jtir'e casinganii tightening 'sc'rewandpost of'Fig, *7.

.Fig .9 is a ,plan view of 'a' modification ofgth'e device ofFigsjfl, 8 in "which theisteambag i's in ep v i I Fig. 10 is a .fragment ar elevationali view off theends oithe'steam bag inthe support there- In. detail, referring to Figs, 1, 2 the devicejcomprises 'atable 'l inclinedat an angle witha central screw .post 3 projecting upwardly therefrom atlrightangles thereto. V c

On this table a transverselysplit rmg-d is -tio'n'ed coaxial withsai'd post '3 with the split in thering are adapted to be held below inverted U-shaped clamp members '8 that'areadaptedto be releasably secured to the table by bolts or screws '9. 'The'bolt fi and, members Y8 jhold ring 4 on the tablesubstantially coaxial with'thepost 3 althoughv play is .permitted' by thev clamp .mem

'ber"8 for spreading of'the ring.

,A turnbuckle device 1.0 Ass pivotally secur itsends to lugs ll that-are initurn securedto ring aseaosc 4 at opposite sides of the split. Upon turning the connection 12 of the turnbuckle in one direction or the other the ends of the ring 4 will be contracted or expanded. Ring 4 is resilient and tends to return to contracted position at all times, hence it will not be under tension when not in use. The expansion of the ring against the resiliency of the material will cause substantially uniform pressure against one of the radially inwardly facing bead portions l3 of a tire l4 while contraction of the ring will draw the ring away from the bead portion in a radial direction.

The entire peripheral surface l5 of said ring is formed to fit against the radially inwardlyfacing surface of either bead portion of a tire when the ring is expanded and the toe 16 of said bead portion preferably terminates about flush with the upper side of ring 4 (Fig. 1) while a flange l1 (preferably integral with ring 4 although it may be in the form of a separate plate in a modified form as will later be explained) extends'over the axially outwardly facing side of the bead portion and conforms in cross sectional contour to the surface of said side. 7 I

The ring 4 is provided with a steam chamber 25] extending substantially from end to end thereof ring is expanded by rotationof connection l2.

However, to effect a proper bead repair pressure must be exerted against the axially inwardly facing side'of the bead portion that is engaged by the ring 4. This means comprises a pair of arcuately extending members 25 which can be slipped through the central opening in the tire from the upper side thereof and between the beads to, join at their ends in forming an annular device overlying said axially inwardly facing surface. The portion of each member 25 so overlying said surface is formed with an axially downwardly opening channel in which an air bag 28 may fit and be secured.

' Eachbag 26 extends arcuately to the ends of the channel in each member and projects from the open side of each member to not only lieover the axially inwardly facing side of the bead portion that is engaged by ring 4 and in engagement with such side but each bag extends very slightly over the ring adjacent the toe of the bead portion I 3.

Adjacent the inner side of the channel portion of each member 25 is a flat, arcuately extending flange 21 that is adapted to lie over and against the upper flat side of ring 4'. The saidchannel portion preferably extends somewhat slantingly from the flange 21 so as to .make the air bag generally follow the cross sectional contour of. the inner surface of the bead portion (Fig.1);

Each flange 21 is formed on its side adjacent ring 4 and at the side of said ring opposite the split in the latter with a recess 33 (Fig. 3) for respectively receivingdowel pins :3l (Fig. 2) projecting from the upper side of said ring. These recesses are elongated so as not to interfere with expansion and contraction of ring 4.

After the members 25 are in properposition a clamping ring 32 of a diameter to pass through the central opening in tire i 4 is positioned over flange 21. This ring 32 carries upwardly converging arms 33 that connect at their upper ends with a sleeve 34 that is apertured to pass the post 3. A nut 35 having turning arms 38 thereon may then be screwed onto post above sleeve 34 and when tightened against sleeve 34 the ring 32 will be tightly drawn against the flanges 21, thus holdingthe ring 4 and flanges 21 tightly between table I and the clamping ring 32.

Flexible air pressure lines 40 that are connected with pressure lines extending through the table are connectedwith inlets in each airbag by any conventional quick detachable couplings 4i and the tire is ready for vulcanizing after air is admitted into the bags, or stream, the latter being "most commonly used.

Bythe above means a uniform desired pressure is maintained on the bead portion irrespective of kinks in the bead and an entire bead repair job is quickly made on any portion thereof. The open "end of ring 4 may be at whatever point on the bead where there is no necessity for a repair inasmuch as every tire has such point.

In those instances where a side wall" repair is desirable the flange i! of the ring 4 may be substituted by an annular plate (Fig. 4) and which plate maybe formed with a steam chamber 46. Corresponding to ring 4 of Fig. 1 is a split ring 4! that may be rabbeted along one edge to fit over a shoulder 48 on said plate. Thus ring 41 has a steam chamber 49 and is expanded and contracted by the same means as is shown for the ring of Figs. 1, 2. V

The members 25 in Figs. 1, 2 do not extend into the tire far enough todo a side wall repair job so the members 50 in Fig. 4 are wider as are air bags 5| so asto extend the desired distance across said side walls, otherwise the clamping means and flanges on said members 59 are identical with the flanges and clamping means of Figs, 1, 2 and are numbered the same as in said figures. A

There are also instances in which air or stea bags are not available or where their cost is out of proportion to the work done and in Figs. 5; 6 are shown a modification of the devicesof Figs. 1, 2 that will -do a creditable job. In this device the elements that are identical with'thoseof Figs.

' merits in said figures such as the clamping means and split bead engaging ring 4.

The members 55in Figs. 5, 6 are substituted'for members 25 of Figs. 1, 2 and said members 55 carry yieldable rubber 51 instead of air bags while they also carry steam pipes 58 for supplying a certain amount of heat to the bead portion in addition to the heat supplied by the ring 4. These pipes 58 may be. coupledftogether at their ends opposite the split in ring 4'by a flexible coupling 59 and instead of the two air inlets of Fig.1 one pipe is a steam inlet and the other is a steam outlet respectively connected by flexible steam lines 60 to the inlet and'outlet ends of the conduit formed by pipes 58 and coupling 59. i I

Much the same arrangement as shown in Figs. 5, 6 may be used for supplying heat to the axially inner side of a head portion through the use of steam bags 65 (Fig. 8) in members 66 that are identical with the members 25 of Figs. 1, 2 except that a flexible coupling hose 6'! (Figs. 7,8) connects each of the bags at the ends of said members that are opposite the split inring 4. The same steam pipes 60 of Fig. 6 may be employed'to provide steam for said bags, and the flexible hose 6! is detachable from the member 66 by quick detachable means 68 similar to couplings 4| of Fig. 2. Also steam'lines 69 may connect the bags with an inlet and exhaust respectively for cirdilating! the steam: throughthe. bags for: main taining: the desired? vulcanizing: temperature:

I 'Where-. an; inside cureis: desired; the device of Figs. 9; 103 is ordinarily the preferredfconstnuce tion: 2 In: this: device the ring 4 is: identical with that; of", Fig-i1 l. as shown in Fig. Qi'aIt-hough. it is obvious that: if? a; more: extended: side .WSJI. repair: isi desired, the. ring; 4"] and. side wall plate 451 of Figzsmayibe'employed.

In Figs. 9; 10; instead. of: usingrtwo: members suchlasxmemliersa6610f Figs". 2;,8ior the steam bags; only one member [5?- is. usedrandi thisimemlbreriisz almost: completely: annular bub-Lhasa a; secti'on'; of? say from" three to six: inches; removed; at. one side as at:- lfiltnapermit insertion: of: the meme tier: 'lfininto the-casing;

IAzsteam; inlet-r T1 and? outlet lit: is provided at opposite-ends. ofibag 129-;- said bag: being; in one piece: andfilling: the channel in". number T5 End walls were at the endsofi the channel in. whichthelbagcfits) (Figa. 10)).

As; already. mentioned; in: a tire;- oasing. that... is. capablev of? being; repaired; there .is'. alwaysasectiorr of. at; least six' inches that. doesnot require vulcanizing; thereforezthe gaps/l5 inthe member is:placed at: this point. and? the bag 1.95 will coyen the: remainder" of the circumference. over whiclritlies.

Iclaimr 1:. A .vulcanizen of: the character described. com:- prising: a. transversely split. radially. expansible ring; formed with: ac. radially outwardly facing surface adapted: ton-extendacompletely across and tolfit; against. the; radially: inwardly. facing: surface of: ahead: portionof; a tire casing; annularyieldable: pressure. means adapted to fit: against the inner? axially facing'sidezof: said-Lbea'd portion; a channel: member into'which; said; pressure means extends, a plate. adapted: t'ofit against; the outer axially-'tfacing side: of said: bead portion, means positioned wholly; within thediamet'er' of said bead portion for. releasablyclamping. said ring channel member, pressurezmeans and plate: in assembled relation. with; such: bead portion between: said pressure means; and. said plate and against: said ring, and. means; for" heatingzsaid ring-andzsaidpl'ate. i

2: A: vulcanizer' of; the characterdescribed' com-.- prising. a; transversely split; radially; 'expansible ring; formedwith; a: radially: outwandly. facing; surface' adapted'to. extend. ocmplettely; across and to. fit. against the radially inwardly facing; surface ofi a: head portion: of a; tire casing;. annular yieldablepressure means: adapmdl to fit against the inner: axially. facing: side-:01 said head portion; a; channelmember intowhich saidspressure means extends; a. plate adapted? t fiti against the outer axially. facingside of said. head portion; means positioned: wholly' Within. the diameter: of: said bead: portion for releasably clamping: said ring channel member;. pressure means and; plate: in assembled relation with such: head. portion between: said. pressure means ands said. plate; and against said ring", and meansl for heating; said ring and said plate,- said? pressure means being divided transversely,- into. a pluralityof: sections;

3.... A: vulcanizer-oi thechanactcrflescribed comprising; a transversely split. ring: formed with a radially outwardly facing surface adapted' to; fit against? the radially inwardly facing; surface: of a: bead port-ionof aztiree casing, annular? yieldable pressure. means; adapted to fit; against the. inner axially facin side: of: said; head: p rtions a: plat adapted to fit; against the: outer; axially facin sideof saidi bead portion; means for releasably anus- 05.4;

6? I clamping said: rin n pressure" means; plate in: assembled". relation; with: such. head portion: bestween; said; pressure means: and: said: plate: and against said3ring,.-and means: for heating-said: ring: and. said plate; said ring, being: resilient. and: means fonspreadingand iorcontractingthe same to respectively tighten and: loosen the same; relative to. said. beadxportion;

4 vulcanizen of the character described .cOmprising a transversely; split. ring: formed; with: a radially outwardly facing: surface adapted'. to fit. against, the. radially inwardly: facing surface; 01? ahead portion: or. a tire; casing; annularyieldable pressure means adapted; to fiti'against the. inneraxially facing side or'said bead; portion,,a.pl'ate adapted to fit against: the outer axiallyfacingsideof. said head portion; means for releasablyclamping saidring, pressure means, and plate in, assembled relation. with. such bead. portion between; said pressure means: and said plate and against said ring, and means for: heating said ring; and; said plate the circumference of; the sur.-. face of. said ring that isadapted to engagelsaid surface of bead: portion being; less thanthe cirgcumference of said: latter surface, and. means carried by" said-ring.- for spreading the same so: that the surfaces.- to; be. engaged will; be tightlytogether.. r

5. A vulcanizerof the character describedcoms prising; a. transversely; splitring. for-med with a radially outwardly facing surface; adapted: to fit against the radially inwardlyfacing: surface of a bead'portion or a tirecasing; annular yielclable pressure means adapted tofit against theinner axially facing side ofcsaid beadiportion',.achannel member into which said pressure means'exxtends, a plate adapted. to fit against: the outer axiallygfacing side ofi said. bead portion; means including a. ringrdisposedrwholly. withlnzthfdiamieter: oiFsuchbeadportion: for releasably clamping said ring channel; member, pressure, means; and platedn assembled'relation With'zSllCh' bead pom t-ion between saidpressure means and said: plate andz'againstsaid rin ;.and means .inr'heating said: ring and said plate; saidxplatebeing; integral'with said-ring.

6; A vuloanizerofthe charactendescribe-d;come prising a. transversely split ring. formed; with a radially outwardly facing'surface adaptedrtofl't against the radially inwardly. facing. surface of a beadjpcrtion ofJa tire casing, annular yieldable pressure means adapted to fitiagalnst'the inner axially facing sid'e.=of said bead portion; a: plate adaptedto fit against: theouter axially facingrside of said; bead porti0n,. means including a. ring. dis posed: wholly within the diameter of such. bead portion for 'releasably' clamping said; first man-- tionedring, pressure. means, and plate in. assem: bled relation with: such beadportion' betweensaid pressure means and said plate an-dagainst said ring, and means for heatingsaidring' andisaid plate, said pressure means including av fluid? ex, pansible flexible receptacle adapted: to be filled with-fiuidunder pressure'for: expanding'the same against said: axially. inwardly facingv surface of such bead portion and: a rigid retainer for. hold ingvthe saidreceptacle-in position.

7. A vulcanizer of the charcter describedfioome prising. a transversely splitring: having a: steam chamber therein extending circumferentially thereof; with, an: inlet, and outlet: at opposite. sides of 'the-split, the outer peripheralisurface on said ring including a portion; adapted: to fit; against the radially inwardlyfacing surface of azbead portion. of. a tire; casing,gsaid-; ring: being; resilient for expanding and contracting the same for moving said peripheral surface into and out of tight en agement with said bead portion, yieldable fluid expansible means formed to fit against the axially inwardly facing surface of such bead portion and to extend to the radially inwardly facing surface of said portion, andmeans for admitting fluid under pressure into said expansible means, and clamping means for holding said expansible means tightly against said inwardly facing surface when said ring is in engagement with said bead portion, said clamping means including a table adapted to support said ring and said bead portion thereon, annular means overlying s'aidring and said expansible means, and a screw for drawingsaid annular means and said table toward each other with said bead portion betwee said table and said expansible means.

8. A vulcanizer of the character described com- 1 prising a transversel split ring having a steam chamber therein extending circumferentially thereof with an inlet and outlet at opposite sides of the split, the outer peripheral surface of said ring including a portion adapted to fit against the radially inwardly facing surface of a bead portion of a tire casing, said ring being resilient for expanding and contracting the same for moving said peripheral surface into and out of tight engagement with said bead portion, yieldable' fluid expansible means formed to fit against the axially inwardly facing surface of such bead portion, and means for admitting fluid under pressure into said expansible means, and clamping means for holding said expansible means tightly against said inwardly facing surface when said ring is in engagement with said bead portion, said expansible means comprising a pair of arcuately extending cylindrical bags, and a. pair of similarly arcuately extending channel members in which said bags are respectivel positioned with one of the sides of each bag projecting therefrom for engagement with such bead portion and said clamping means including a support for said bead portion positioned at the side thereof opposite said expansible means.

9. A vulcanizer of the character described comprising a transversely split ring having a steam chamber therein "extending circumferentially' thereof with an inlet and outlet at opposite sides of the split, the outer peripheral surface of said ring including a portion adapted to fit against the radially inwardly facing surface of a bead portion of a tire casing, said ring being resilient for expanding and contracting the same for moving said peripheral surface into and out of tight engagement with said bead portion, yieldab-le fluid expansible means formed to fit against the axially inwardly facing surface of such bead portion, and means for admitting fluid under pressure into said expansible means, and clamping means for holding said expansible means tightly against said inwardly facing surface when said ring is in engagement with said bead portion, a, turnbuckle connecting opposite ends of said ring for spreading the ring against'its resiliency and said clamping means including a support for said bead portion positioned at the side thereof opposite said expansible means.

10. A vulcanizer of the character described outwardly facingsurfaceof such portion, means for radially expanding-and contracting said ring.

to respectively engage and disengage said bead portion,.said flange being disposed against said table, from endto end thereof, said ring, having an inlet andnan ,outlet for steam, an arcuately extending member adapted to extend over and to circumferentially follow a portionof the inner axially facing side of such head portion, anzarcuately extending'fluid pressure bag adapted to also follow said axiall facing side of said portion and to be positioned between said member and such portion, clamping means for tightly clamping said ring, table and member together and means for admitting fluid under pressure into said bag.

11. A vulcanizer of the character described comprising a table, atransversely. split radially expansible ring. formed with a radially outwardly facing surface adapted to fit against the radially inwardly facing surface of a bead portion of a tire casing and having a'radially. outwardly'pro jecting flange adapted to extend over'the axially outwardly facing surface of such portion, means for radially expanding andcontracting said ring to respectivel engage and disengage said bead portion, said flange being disposed against said table, from end'to end thereof, andhaving an inlet and an outlet for steam, an arcuately extending member adapted to extend over and to circumferentially follow a portion of the inner axially facing side of such bead portion, an arouately extending fluid pressure bag adapted to also follow said axially facing side of said portion and to be positioned between said member and such portion, clamping means for tightly clamping said ring, table and member together and means for admitting fluid under pressure into said bag, said clamping means comprising an annular element adapted to overlie said ring with a portion of said member between it and said ring, and a screw connecting said element with said table for drawingthe said element against said portion of said manner. 7 i

12. A vulcanizer of the character described comprising a table, a transversely split radially expansible ring formed with a radially outwardly facing surface adapted to fit against the radially inwardly facing surface of a bead portion of a tire casing and having a radially outwardly projecting flange adapted to extend over the axially outwardly facing surface of such portiommeans for radially expanding and contracting said ring to respectively engage and disengage said bead portion, said flange being disposed against said table,- from end to end thereof, and having an inlet and an outlet for steam, an arcuately extending member adapted to extend over and to circumferentially follow a portion of the inner axially facing side of such bead portion, an arouately extending fluid pressure bag adapted to also follow said axially facing side of said portion and tube positioned between said member and such portion, clamping means for tightly clamping said ring, table and member together and means for admitting fluid under pressure into said bag, means for releasably securing said ring to said table during expansion and contraction thereof.

13. A vulcanizer of the character described comprising a table, a transversely split radially expansible ring formed with a radially'outwardly facing surface adapted to'fit against the radially inwardly facing surfaceof a bead portion of a tire casing and having a=radially outwardly projecting flange adapted to extend over the axially outwardly facing surface of such portion, means for radially expanding and contracting said ring to respectively engage and disengage said bead portion, said flange being disposed against said table, from'end to end thereof and having an inlet and an outlet for steam, an arcuately ex-,

tending member adapted to extend over and to circumferentially follow a portion of the inner axially facing side of such bead portion, an arcuately extending fluid pressure bag adapted to also follow said axially facing side of said portion and to be positioned between said member and such portion, clamping means for tightly clamping said ring, table and member together and means for admitting fluid under pressure into said bag, said element being formed with a channel for receiving a side of said bag therein and the portion of said element adapted to be positioned between said clamping means and said rings projecting from one edge of said channel.

14-. A vulcanizer of the character described comprising a table, a transversely split radially expansible ring formed with a radially outwardly facing surface adapted to fit against the radially inwardly facing surface of a head portion of a tire casing and having a radially outwardly projecting flange adapted to extend over the axially outward- 1y facing surface of such portion, means for radially expanding and contracting said ring to respectively engage and disengage said head portion, said flange being disposed against said table, 30

from end to end thereof and having an inlet and 10 a an outlet for steam, an arcuately extending member adapted to extend over and to circumferentially follow a portion of the inner axially facing side of such bead portion, an arcuately extending fluid pressure bag adapted to also follow said axially facing side of said portion and to be positioned between said member and such portion, clamping means for tightly clamping said ring, table and member together and means for admitting fluid under pressure into said bag, a part of said bag being adapted to extend past the toe of said bead portion and over said ring.

HAROLD L. BAKER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,837,356 Cartier Dec. 22, 1931 1,975,038 Glazner Sept. 25, 1934 2,059,851 Corbin Nov. 3, 1936 2,158,703 Kite May 16, 1939 2,320,778 Herman June 1, 1943 2,370,655 Glynn Mar. 6, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 30,774/30 Australia Mar. 29, 1931 532,712 France Feb. 10, 1922 

